Back-
Annual report shows record number of complaints
On 9 September 2025, Alberta Ombudsman Kevin Brezinski released the 2024-2025 Annual Report, which outlines the achievements of his office in investigating complaints of administrative unfairness in Alberta’s public agencies. Highlights of the report include a record number of written complaints received by the Ombudsman’s office and updates on notable public reports about programs that provide much-needed support to Albertans.
“I am particularly proud of our efforts to keep pace with a record number of complaints brought to our office this past year,” said the Ombudsman. “Our 2024−2025 Annual Report shows that impartial, independent investigations into administrative unfairness create positive outcomes for Albertans and public sector organizations alike.”
The Ombudsman received a total of 5,647 cases in 2024−2025, including 2,215 written complaints, up 26% over the previous year. Despite the influx of complaints and cases, the Ombudsman’s office also increased the number of resolved complaints by 26% and closed 94% of all complaints within three months.
The 2024−2025 Annual Report features updates to the previously published Ombudsman public reports, Denied by Design and Programs Adrift.
- Programs Adrift was an own motion investigation that exposed systemic flaws in the Alberta Adult Health Benefit and Alberta Child Health Benefit programs, now overseen by the Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services and the Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services. These programs, which help cover health-related costs for low-income Albertans, saw meaningful improvements in the form of increased transparency and the enhancement of the application process.
- Denied by Design showed an over-reliance on IQ score alone as an eligibility criterion for the Persons with Developmental Disabilities program. As detailed in the annual report, the Ombudsman’s recommendations have not yet been implemented and, since the publication of the report, the office has received new complaints on behalf of applicants similarly denied benefits.
Kindly click here to read the full article. The annual report can be found in the download section below.
Source: Alberta Ombudsman, Canada
